7 Myths About Solo Travel That Need To Be Busted ASAP

UPDATED FEB 2020. Even though solo travel, and especially solo female travel, is becoming increasingly popular, it’s still a somewhat unusual concept for a lot of people. There are a lot of misconceptions out there about what it’s like. Today, we are talking about 7 myths about solo travel that need to be busted. If you’ve been wanting to try a solo travel adventure of your own but aren’t sure what to expect, I hope it will give you a better idea of what it’s actually like. I’m sure I missed some, so if you have any others to add, just leave it in a comment. 

7 Myths About Solo Travel That Need To Be Busted ASAP

1. Solo travel is selfish

One of the biggest myths about solo travel is that it is selfish.

I’m married and love to travel solo so, of course, I have heard this one a lot – apparently, a lot of Facebook friends and acquaintances are also qualified marriage counselors with plenty of unsolicited advice to share.

If you’re in a relationship, I’d hazard a guess that you’ve heard the same thing too.

It’s as if you can’t have time for yourself when you’re in a relationship. And, you know what? Maybe they’re right.

Maybe it is selfish?

My solo travel time is my time to focus on things I’d like to see and do. My time where I get to put myself first.

And that’s because 99% of the rest of my time is selfless time. I put my husband first, my dogs first, my friends first, my blog readers first.

Everyone else comes first, every other time. To say that solo travel is selfish just isn’t taking into account the bigger picture.

For me, solo travel isn’t selfish. It’s self-care.

2. Solo travel is so much easier

Let’s just bust this one into next week.

Anyone who has traveled alone knows that when you’re waiting for a flight and have to squeeze into the bathroom without knocking the toilet paper holder off the wall with your backpack because no one can watch your stuff, it’s definitely not easier.

There are other challenges too.

Navigating problems with no one to back you up – it’s 100% on you to overcome every hurdle that shows up in your path, paying single supplement fees, annoying street hassle especially for females walking alone, and trying to get a quick travel photo of yourself with no one to help.

I think a lot of the challenges of solo travel can foster personal growth, but to say it’s easier is just a myth.

3. Solo travel just plain unsafe

One of the things that always blows my mind is that people will walk around alone in the city they live in, or text while driving, and tell you that solo travel is dangerous.

Wait a minute, what now?!

Let’s bust that right now because it’s really not as unsafe as you think.

It’s just unfamiliar which is the scary part but the fears aren’t really based on any facts.

As long as you use common sense safety precautions (the same that you’d use in your hometown like not walking around dark alleys drunk and alone at night) you’ll probably be just like all the other solo travelers around the world who are having fun, safe travel experiences.

4. Solo travel is lonely

Humans are social animals, so it’s no surprise that people think solo travel is boring.

We need people. But do we need them 24/7?

With how many directions we are pulled in most days, sometimes a little alone time is a treat.

I think that solo travel provides a liberating feeling more than a lonely one, and it’s certainly possible to have fun by yourself.

For one thing, you get to choose all the adventures that you want to do, so that is going to be exciting for you. Being able to experience these adventures and fully soak them in with no distractions or without someone tagging along that doesn’t really want to be there also makes it more fun in my opinion.

In my experience, people are more open to talking to you when you’re a solo traveler. I’ve been able to connect with so many interesting people and learn about the culture through my solo travels.

One of the biggest myths about solo travel is that there’s never anyone to hang out with!

5. It’s only for single minglers

Urgh. Again, it’s that same myth that if you’re in a relationship then you have the be attached at the hip to that person.

Can a girl get some free time?

Sure, solo travel is great for single people but people in relationships can enjoy it too.

Having independence and a strong sense of identity is one of the most important things for a relationship, in my opinion, maybe second to communication.

How many times have you seen a friend get into a relationship and lose their identity or become codependent?

It’s not healthy.

I absolutely think that solo travel being only for single people is a myth because it’s such a good way to keep a sense of independence, develop your character, and bring something to the table in your relationship.

6. Solo travel is only for brave people

While people are thinking that solo travel is really scary and dangerous, of course, they think that it’s only for the people with a wonder woman level of bravery.

Let’s squash that myth too.

For starters, I do it – and I’m a big sissy who is scared of just about everything!

I’ve always said that if I can do it, you can do it better and it’s so true.

I’m the most average of all average people and am not anyone who is super brave.

If you have been considering trying solo travel but have been a little scared or doubting your courage, I promise you absolutely have it in you to do it.

7. It’s only for backpackers or budget travelers

Actually, no.

Solo travel is for everyone.

I know people who are budget travelers and prefer a backpacker style, and I know people who prefer the high end, luxury style of solo travels.

Then there’s me – I’d say I’m mostly mid-range but focus more on the experience than the budget for my travels. Sometimes it’s high end, sometimes it’s budget.

There are no rules of the type of travel experience you have to have as a solo traveler.

It’s up to you to create whatever experience works best for you and the most important thing is to find a style you enjoy and then do that.

That’s the beauty of it.

Other solo travel posts you might like

• How To Overcome The Fear Of Getting Lost While Traveling Solo
• How To Get The Courage To Travel Alone When Everyone Says You’ll Die
• How To Stay Safe As A Solo Female Traveler – A Practical Guide
• Traveling Solo While Married – What To Expect And Is It OK?

If solo travel doesn’t appeal to you, that’s not a problem.

But, if you were interested but worried about the common myths about solo travel, then I hope to have encouraged you to give it a try.

If you found this useful, return the favor by sharing it or following me on Instagram!